I thought I’d add a quick note regarding my previous post about the process of ‘stretching’ or creating new neural pathways in our brains, and one of the most interesting books that I’ve read recently addresses this very concept, “The Brain That Changes Itself” (2007) by Norman Doidge, M.D. For once, the intricacies related to understanding the science of the brain is accessible to those who don’t have any background in the field, and it’s a book that guarantees to hold your interest.

Within, there are several fascinating real-life case studies that bring into serious question the notion that the brain is a rigid organ that once ‘programmed’ is unable to change. In fact, the stories that Dr. Doidge presents illustrate why the brain is now considered by many neuroscientists as “plastic” in nature in its ability to re-map or restructure itself when necessary. As described on the back cover of the book by the New York Times, “[S]troke patients cured, a woman with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, learning and emotional disorders overcome, IQs raised, and aging brains rejuvenated…”. No question, it’s worth your time to read the stories, and afterwards, if you try to convince yourself that you’re too habituated or too old to learn new ways of thinking, or behaving, you’ll find it increasingly difficult to do so.

It was an encouraging read, particularly when I began to wonder whether my aging brain could ever retain all that was necessary to learn a new language. Apparently, it’s a no-brainer…the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’

Enjoy…

I thought I’d add a quick note regarding my previous post about the process of ‘stretching’ or creating new neural pathways in our brains, and one of the most interesting books that I’ve read recently addresses this very concept, “The Brain That Changes Itself” (2007) by Norman Doidge, M.D. For once, the intricacies related to understanding the science of the brain is accessible to those who don’t have any background in the field, and it’s a book that guarantees to hold your interest.

Within, there are several fascinating real-life case studies that bring into serious question the notion that the brain is a rigid organ that once ‘programmed’ is unable to change. In fact, the stories that Dr. Doidge presents illustrate why the brain is now considered by many neuroscientists as “plastic” in nature in its ability to re-map or restructure itself when necessary. As described on the back cover of the book by the New York Times, “[S]troke patients cured, a woman with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, learning and emotional disorders overcome, IQs raised, and aging brains rejuvenated…”. No question, it’s worth your time to read the stories, and afterwards, if you try to convince yourself that you’re too habituated or too old to learn new ways of thinking, or behaving, you’ll find it increasingly difficult to do so.

It was an encouraging read, particularly when I began to wonder whether my aging brain could ever retain all that was necessary to learn a new language. Apparently, it’s a no-brainer…the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’

Enjoy…